Carlos Alcaraz Continues Unbeaten Streak at BNP Paribas Open
Carlos Alcaraz has solidified his position as a dominant force in tennis by defeating Arthur Rinderknech 6-7 (6), 6-3, 6-2 in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open. This victory marks another step in Alcaraz’s impressive journey as he remains undefeated in 2026, having won all 13 of his matches this season.
As the No. 1 seed in the BNP Paribas Open, Alcaraz faced Rinderknech, who was seeded 26th. The match lasted for two hours and 27 minutes, showcasing Alcaraz’s resilience and skill on the court. Following this win, he is set to face Casper Ruud in the fourth round, a matchup that promises to be highly competitive.
Alcaraz’s performance in the tournament is part of a flawless start to his 2026 campaign, which has already seen him clinch titles at both the Australian Open and the Qatar Open. His current form raises expectations as he aims to break the all-time record for the longest unbeaten start to an ATP season, which stands at 41 matches, held by Novak Djokovic.
To surpass Djokovic’s record, Alcaraz needs to win 28 more matches. This ambitious goal reflects his determination and the high stakes of his current trajectory. “I feel like I have a target on my back, and I feel like if they don’t play that kind of tennis they can’t win,” Alcaraz commented, highlighting the pressure that comes with being a top player.
Alcaraz’s journey has not been without its challenges. He acknowledged the fatigue that can come from facing top competitors, stating, “To be honest, I just sometimes get tired about playing Roger Federer every round.” This statement underscores the mental and physical toll of competing at the highest level.
In his match against Rinderknech, Alcaraz demonstrated strategic prowess, saying, “I knew that I was going to have more chances, and if I wasn’t there, I couldn’t take them.” His ability to capitalize on opportunities has been a key factor in his success thus far.
As Alcaraz prepares for his next match against Ruud, he remains focused on maintaining his momentum. “The main thing is to stay there all the time, try to win my serve game, try to put pressure on his serve games, and let’s see what’s going to happen,” he stated, indicating his readiness for the challenges ahead. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential impact of this match on his quest for the record.